Muck Boots

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2019 | Recap

Another January in the books and two major trade shows attended. Like last year, I attended SHOT Show in Las Vegas with the crew from the Loadout Room. And then flew directly to Denver for Outdoor Retailer the following week. Two weeks living out of a 5.11 suitcase and backpack in various AirBnb’s but I’m glad to be home. Now is when the shows pay off for this website. Following up the dozens of meetings with vendors to acquire the newest and most innovative products in the tactical and outdoor space. The face to face meetings with PR firms and manufacturers allow us as writers and editors to make a physical connection with them. Let them know who we are and what we do. And how we can help them.

The Show

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show focuses mainly on the winter sports market. Skis, snowshoes, winter apparel, footwear, etc. You get the picture. But making the mental switch from the beard’fest of SHOT Show to the manicured mustache’fest of OR takes some getting used to. Outdoor Retailer is a friendly meeting among enthusiast and doesn’t have that cut-throat competitive vibe that SHOT exudes. Each booth offers a healthy snack, cup of coffee or a craft brew later in the afternoon. The meetings with manufacturers and PR agents open with a genuine conversation about us as writers. They are as curious about the Loadout Room as we are about them. After all, we all have the same objective.

And that objective is to educate the purchasing public about their new products. As a gear junkie myself, you can imagine the opportunity to sit down with product specialists and engineers to discuss what they’ve come up with. And at the same time asking us for our thoughts and input. Below are just a few highlights from the show. Some of which we hope to get our hands on for in depth testing and review.

Drinkwear

Yeti always offers a nice display for their new products. This year, telling stories with three fresh new color ways. A Sand color that offers a beach vibe. I thought it looked to be a tactical desert color. I guess it depends on your personal perspective. A new vibrant Blue was showcased with a nautical waterman display. Complete with a Blue Marlin. And finally, a Red Rock color displayed with matching climbing ropes and the Southwest landscape of Red Rock Canyon.

Boots and Pants

Winter apparel and footwear is a large part of the Snow Show. Xtratuf showcased a new Glacier Trek Pro sole for their bread and butter work boots. These high topped neoprene and rubber boots already kicked ass. Now they feature special sole lugs (colored blue) with embedded glass to help grip on slick icy surfaces. Right next door at Muck Boots were examples of their new waterproof leather line-up. Here is a review of the Freeman boot recently published. Swedish company Fjällräven had a huge display featuring their complete line of rugged hiking and climbing gear. I was drawn in by a few pairs of pants that might be the perfect Overlanding companion in the future.

Snowshoes and Celebrity

Mountain Safety Research makes some of the best snowshoes on the market. Featuring their 360 degree Traction Frames, these shoes have an edge to edge grip like no other. Perfect for those steep mountain accents as well as casual trail excursions. MSR went one step further by greatly improving on their tried and true binding system. Thinking outside of the box they came up with the new Paragon Snowshoe Binding. A binding offering no hot spots, ultralight durability, quick and secure adjustability and field maintainability. Stanley’s rich 100+ year history just keeps getting better and better. Further perfecting their vacuum bottle with the new Master Series. As a bonus, I spotted Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley reviewing a Black Diamond Jacket.

Adidas Terrex as always, featured several new pieces of footwear as well as revisions of existing pieces. Alongside some innovative insulation and waterproof jackets. I hope to get my hands on a few of these to showcase the Terrex line as a major player in the high-end outdoor clothing market. I thought I was having a SHOT Show flashback when I saw the Wild Things display out of the corner of my eye. The only Multicam seen for miles within the Colorado Convention Center.

Favorite item

The most revolutionary item I spotted was the DAHU ski boot. As an alpine skier of 44 years, I’ve experienced huge technological leaps in the ski industry. Mostly in soft goods and skis. While alpine ski boots have maintained the status quo for too long. Always jealous of the snowboarders and their warm comfy boots. DAHU is looking to bring some of that love to the alpine skier. With an unusual Corsair opening, the skeletonized exterior boot allows the skier to completely step out while wearing the liner as a stand alone boot. Complete with a rubber sole, this boot will change the way skiers get around the resort.

Below is a list of the manufacturers I sat down with at Outdoor Retailer in the hopes of testing upcoming gear. So stay tuned to the Loadout Room.

Manufacturers:

Muck Boots
Xtratuf
Black Diamond
Ortovox
Farm to Feet
Mountain Safety Research
FiveTen footwear
Sportube
Rumpl
Danner
Jack Wolfskin
Costa Sunglasses
DAHU Ski Boots
Fjällräven
Adidas Terrex
Yeti
Stanley
Bogs Footwear
Beyond Clothing
Darn Tough Socks
Scarpa

Freeman by Muck Boots: Your foul weather friend

Depending on where you live, the shoulder seasons and winter can bring some foul weather. As a General Contractor, I like to wear a functional and stylish boot to work. One that doesn’t sacrifice anything in ways of comfort or weatherproofness. Muck Boots have a long tradition of producing fantastic rubber boots for hunters and agriculture alike. But it’s their recent foray into leather boots and shoes that have my attention. The truth is, I can’t use the classic muck boots for work when meeting clients or walking through the home we’re currently building for them. The new Freeman from The Original Muck Boot Company is the perfect solution.

Construction job sites can be messy. Always surrounded by freshly excavated dirt, gravel and sand. Managing these projects require I spend 80 percent of my time on-site. A boot with a sturdy outer sole and a comfortable insole allow me to navigate the job sites in comfort and without worry. Plus, a fully waterproof oiled leather upper so mud and slush don’t phase me. Additionally, the Freeman is lined with a layer of neoprene on the interior for warmth making this piece a true three-season work boot. Not only have I been wearing the Freeman all day while on the job, but after-hours as well. Its classy patina leather and bold stitching are right at home when I meet my family for dinner or a drink.

Men’s Waterproof Freeman features:

100% Waterproof
Oiled, pull-up leather
Neoprene Strobel for flexibility
PU footbed for underfoot comfort
Rugged outsole for extended wear
Shaft Circumference: 10in
MSRP: $150

The Waterproof Freeman includes two different pairs of laces. A classic leather lace and a para chord “like” lace. Although I love the look of the leather laces, I swapped them for the more conventional laces after a short time. The leather laces just proved to be more cumbersome to loosen and tighten the boot. While the alternate laces allowed an easier entry and exit from the boot after a long day. I really like the sole Muck chose for this boot and have felt sure-footed on a variety of unstable surfaces. However, with only three rows of lace holes, getting that totally custom hiking boot fit isn’t as easy. But it hasn’t been a factor so far. These boots remain a solid “go” for me.

Finally, if you only know The Original Muck Boot Company for their iconic tall rubber boots, you’ll have to take a look at their new offerings in the leather section. There you will find several stylish yet functional options for both men and women. To top it off, Muck Boots is celebrating its 20th year in business.

Muck Boots Pursuit Shadow Mid | Review

Born in 1999, The Original Muck Boot Company entered the scene producing some of the warmest, most comfortable waterproof boots in the country. Now, with over 60 styles in the line-up, Muck Boots continue to exceed the expectations of farmers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. One such style is the Pursuit Shadow Mid. This lace-up lightweight is perfect for the hunter looking for a more snug fit as well as scent control.

When I picked up the box from Muck Boots, my initial impression was that a mistake must have been made in the shipping department. As a soldier, I’ve lifted my fair share of size 11 boots in my life. And there is no way that there are two boots in this box at my doorstep. The Pursuit Shadow Mid is undoubtedly lighter than expected for a waterproof boot measuring 10″ in height. And tipping the scales at only 4lbs paid huge dividends while hoofing it through the woods of Northern MI.

While skimming the Muck Boots website, I was skeptical of their classic slip-on designs. I doubted their security while treking any distance with a load on my back. Fortunately, Muck Boots designed the Pursuit Shadow Mid to be a hiker from the ground up. First off, the Pursuit Shadow Mid incorporates a sturdy lacing system to help secure the boot to your foot and calf. Additionally, Rubber and EVA 3D Print are strategically located on the boot to add stability to the design. Finally, a RealTree Xtra camo pattern along with Inscentable® Scent Masking guarantees to not compromise your position while on the hunt. But it’s the sum of its features that make this a great choice for hunters.

Designed to keep your digits warm in temperatures down to -20F, the Pursuit Shadow Mid remains comfortable all the way up to 50F. A broad temperature range for most hunting seasons. Using 5mm of Neoprene with Fleece Lining and a full waterproof gusset, these boots are both warm and quiet. And sound dampening is an asset not found in many waterproof boots today. Think of those squeaky rubber boots your Mom used to put on your feet. Not these bad boys! Soft in texture, the exterior of the Pursuit Shadow Mid is very ninja-like while on the move.

Having grown up in more metropolitan locations than rural, my initial reluctance to own a pair of Muck Boots was possibly misguided. No offense intended, but I always viewed their owners as somewhat “agricultural”. Not that I’m a city-slicker, but I preferred not looking like I had just bailed hay or shoveled shit. Well, a real man can not only admit his mistakes, but own a pair of Muck Boots as well. In fact, my wife Brandie even sports a pair of Girls with Guns Muck Boots. So stay tuned for her review.

Pursuit Shadow Mid Specs courtesy of muckbootcompany.com

Insulation: 5mm of Neoprene with Fleece Lining and a full waterproof gusset
Upper: Spandora® with Inscentable® Scent Masking, Rubber and EVA 3D Print for support
Camouflage: REALTREE XTRA®
Insole: etc® Socklinger with Agion® Antimicrobial Treatment
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Rubber Pod
Height: 10”
Weight: 4lbs
MSRP: $219.99

Final thoughts: Warm and cozy describe these boots to a “T”. Having the pleasure to test the Pursuit Shadow Mid for the past few weeks has been enjoyable. My feet remain warm and dry in the bitter temperatures this winter. Although the sole provides ample grip on most surfaces, the shallow tread pattern tends to slip a little in deep snowy conditions. Finally, the 550 cord laces, although heavy duty, could be quite a bit shorter. After lacing the boots, I’m left with enough lace to wrap around my calf and tie. In all honesty, it’s better to be long than short.

Like all Muck Boots, the Pursuit Shadow Mid is 100% guaranteed to be waterproof. With over 120″ of snow beginning to melt and warmer temperatures in the future, that guarantee will be much appreciated. Take a look at the Muck Boots website and find a pair of these durable boots that fit your needs…your feet will appreciate it.

Warrior Wear: 21 New Boots Ready for Your Next Mission

Courtesy of Tactical Life

This year has seen a wide variety of new boots introduced to the world. Both major and minor manufacturers from around the world used significant technology improvements both in materials and the manufacturing process to enhance long-trusted designs and create bold new boots that are lighter, stronger and more comfortable than anything we’ve ever known.

RELATED STORY: Top to Bottom – 10 Hot Pieces of New Gear for Military, LEOs and Civilians
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Most manufacturers highlighted improvements in boot soles and tread patterns as the biggest technological advancements, which they said added strength and rigidity while cutting weight. Better waterproofing and breathability are also trending right now. Here are 21 new boots to help you go farther than ever before.

For more information about the new boots featured in the gallery above, check out the following sites.

Continue reading on Tactical Life

Photo courtesy of Tactical Life

These boots are made for Girls With Guns

As the ol’ saying goes: if you don’t like the weather in Northern Michigan, wait 10 minutes and it’s bound to change. This winter has proven the cliche, with wild swings between wintery weather and spring-like thaws. Climatalogically, 2017 has been warmer and wetter than typical. Consequently creating a perfect testbed for boots. Enter: The Original Muck Boot Company’s Girls With Guns – Artic Hunter Tall. Designed for the true female hunter, this boot promises rugged performance over tough terrain and warmth to -40º. Big shoes to fill. Let’s put them to work…

I’m used to working around guys. Actually, I quite prefer it for all of the reasons you’d expect. Less drama, more realism. Less gossip, more tell-it-like-it-is. I hold these virtues in high regard. I graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the mid-nineties with a ratio of 9:1, guys to gals. My transition from aviation to our family business in heavy-construction brought new equipment, but essentially the same workforce: mostly men. However, these Girls With Guns boots fit right in! All of the function, none of the fuss; similar to working with guys. Whether sloshing through the equipment yard, checking-in at the maintenance garage, or visiting a job site, these boots keep me sure-footed in mud and snow while remaining dry and warm. Plus, they work just as hard in the office, cleaning easily to avoid tracking mud, and wicking sweat as they adjust to indoor heat.

But my guy-time doesn’t end at work, dudes surround me at home too. Erik and our two sons definitely tip the scales, making ours a male-dominated home. Like most boys, my guys and I subscribe to the notion: work hard – play hard. The only way to survive and thrive through a Northern Michigan winter, lasting from October to May, is to get outdoors to play! A local Up North outdoor retailer says it best, “there’s no bad weather, just good gear”. Truth. These Muck Boots fall into the “good gear” category.

In addition to working, the Girls With Guns boots have become my staple footwear for recreating, too. You know you love your boots when you long to wear them. That longing, for me, happens after Wednesday night Ski League when all I want is a cold beer and slippers. The liberation of unbuckling my calf-strangling downhill race boots and slipping into warm cozy boots that feel like slippers. It’s bliss. These Mucks are my winter-bliss slippers.

Best of all, they are like slippers with grippers; tried and true. Our husky, Kayla, challenged these boots through every weather condition. A February thaw first brought melting snow, then came the rain leaving puddles of slush, and finally the temps plummeted promising horrendous driving and a Snow Day for the kiddos until winter returned again with an old-fashioned blizzard. Weather be damned, Kayla’s a husky, always ready to run! Thankfully, my trusty Mucks were up for the task, maintaining traction and keeping me on my feet for our adventures around the neighborhood.

Girls With Guns Arctic Hunter Specs: courtesy of muckbootcompany.com

5mm CR Flex-Foam
Warm Fleece Lining
Extended Rubber Exterior
Comfort Insole
Slip-Resistant Rugged Outsole
Comfort Range -40F / 40F
100% Waterproof
MSRP $184.99

As the song should go… these boots aren’t just made for walking. They are meant for hunting and shooting. And that’s just what they’ll do. Multiple days at the Range have secured my appreciation for the Girls With Guns fit and function. With soft fleece lining and a wide footbed, my toes have plenty of wiggle-room keeping me comfortable all day. Finally, you likely noticed, they aren’t just camo but the ever-popular Mossy Oak Break-up Country camo. I’m not sure where you live, but in our neck of the woods camo isn’t just a pattern but a fashion statement worn far and wide. I think the girls from Northern California who launched the Girls With Guns clothing concept would agree.

In closing, as much as I like having guys around, I’m still a girl. That means, the stuff I wear needs to work well AND look good. My final analysis: Girls With Guns – Artic Tall by The Original Muck Boot Company is right on target. Highly recommend.

Written by Brandie Meisner (wife of author Erik Meisner)

Muck Pursuit Glory Boots: First Impressions

Muck Boots Pursuit Glory

Hunting in Washington State has made me abundantly aware of wet, muddy, and slippery environments. I have always been a Muck Boot fan, however, I typically limited my hunting with them. I just couldn’t find a Muck Boot that felt as secure on my foot as a traditional boot. The last thing I wanted to be worrying about while stalking an animal was my boots. Apparently Muck Boot has heard this criticism before and responded with the Pursuit Glory.

One of the first things I noticed about these boots was the extra rubber used in their construction. Typically, Muck Boots use natural rubber only on the bottom half of their boots; the top is CR flex-foam (material similar to that used in survival suits). The Pursuit Glory has rubber strips wrapping around the radial (outside), and complete rubber coverage on the front and the medial (inside). Further examination of the medial exposed additional rubber reinforcement support and protection (brown checkered rubber). This feature is great for anyone who may use tree stands, climb rocky outcrops, or needs extra protection while moving over rough terrain. The boot soles are flat, stable, and have deep traction typical of Muck Boots.

Muck Boots: Pursuit Glory — Reinforced medial rubber provides more protection and stability.

When I first put the Pursuit Glory on, I noticed how it encapsulated my foot. This is different from other Muck Boots I have used in the past. There is no internal sliding or moving; it felt like a boot I had laced up. This can also make them somewhat difficult to get off (exactly the feature you would want while hunting). This is both a positive and negative. If you are using this boot for hunting, then you don’t want any internal movement. However, if you need to be constantly taking them on and off for a task, I could see this becoming tedious (think muddy chores around the house).

With turkey season around the corner, I plan on putting these boots through extensive testing. I will be using them while I am in eastern Washington, hunting some rugged terrain. If there are any cons to the Pursuit Glory, this will surely expose them. Look for a more comprehensive review in late April, after turkey season.

Specifications (based on a men’s size 10):

Height: 16″

Weight: Five pounds/ 2.26 kilograms

Color: Realtree camouflage

Materials/treatments:

5mm CR flex-foam
Triple-density PU sock-liner
Scent masking
Fleece lining

Temperature range: -40° F to 40° F

Limited warranty: One-year protection from defects in materials and craftsmanship.

You can purchase the Pursuit Glory boots from muckbootcompany.com, or on Amazon.com.